Question

Not understanding this!!!
Simplify: y^2 × y^-4

Answer 1

It's important to remember that when multiplying exponents with the same base...you leave the bases alone and ADD the exponents...

Answer 2

Ohh... I just don't understand it

Answer 3

Alright...so here....the "base" would be 'y'...

\[\large y^2 \times y^{-4} = y^{2 + (-4)} = y^{2 - 4} = y^{-2}\]

Does that make sense?

Answer 4

Aha so the answer would be Y^2?

Answer 5

y^-2 ...did I make that -2 too small up there? sorry about that....but yeah it would be y^(2 - 4) so that is y^-2

Answer 6

Thanks for the help!

Answer 7

No problem!